For the first time in more than a decade, women now have options in breast implants.

The Food and Drug Administration took silicone implants off the market in the '90s amid concerns they could leak and cause health problems. But four months ago, it lifted the ban, saying the new silicone gel implants are safe.

Dr. Adam Tattelbaum is a Washington, D.C., area plastic surgeon who says the FDA action has more women asking about the gel implants.

"We have to go with the pro and the con of a saline versus a silicone and a silicone implant by far is a more softer, more natural feeling than a saline implant," said Tattelbaum.

But there are drawbacks to silicone implants. One is that there may be more hardening of the scar tissue around the implant. Secondly, they could rupture and begin leaking without a woman realizing it.

As a result, women are urged to undergo MRIs periodically to check if the implants are still intact.

"We may recommend even changing the implants earlier than with saline because it's much easier to change the gel implants before they've leaked, until waiting until there's a problem," Tattelbaum said.

Mimi Coffey of Ashburn, Va., needed to replace the silicone gel implants she got 17 years ago.

Coffey had the surgery last month and feels she made the right choice.

"I wanted a more natural looking breast, so I decided to go with the silicone implants," said Coffey. "I'm really glad, I have no regrets, no regrets at all."

It's not clear how long the silicone implants will last. Neither silicone nor saline implants are expected to last forever.

More Information:

• FDA Breast Implant Q&A